Rod Blagojevich Indicted

April 3, 2009

In this Issue:

  • Rod Blagojevich Indicted
  • Rally for Reform - Thursday, April 9 in Chicago
  • Forum on Judicial Evaluation: April 20

Rod Blagojevich Indicted
US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald yesterday indicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich on wide ranging corruption charges. Also named were brother Robert Blagojevich, lobbyist Lon Monk, and three others. In a statement, ICPR Director Cindi Canary said, " Now, it's up to the elected leaders in Springfield to respond to the demands of the citizens of Illinois and clean up this mess. They should start by addressing the free flow of big campaign contributions from special interests." Sunshine Director and Emeritus Prof. Kent Redfield said, " Removing Rod Blagojevich from office by impeachment and putting him on trial in a federal courtroom may teach him a lesson, but it will not reform Illinois. First and most important change needed is to enact reasonable limits on the size of campaign contributions and strong enforcement of campaign finance laws." For more on the charges, visit ICPR's homepage www.ilcampaign.org , and CHANGE Illinois www.changeil.org

Rally for Reform - Thursday, April 9 in Chicago
The CHANGE Illinois Coalition is calling for a rally at the James R Thompson Center in Chicago on Thursday, April 9 to call for broad reforms in Illinois government. The rally will begin at 10 am. Details are forthcoming, but for now, mark your calendars, save the date, and make plans to be there. For more information, please visit the www.CHANGEIL.org website.

Forum on Judicial Evaluation: April 20
Recognizing the vital role the judiciary system plays our government, many states have created special judicial performance commissions to evaluate judges seeking retention. Should Illinois follow in their footsteps? Please attend a forum on judicial performance commissions from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, to learn more about Illinois' retention elections and how a performance commission works. The event will be held at the law offices of Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg, 200 W. Madison, Suite 3900, in Chicago. Speakers include State Reps. Elizabeth Coulson and Kathleen Ryg; Malcolm C. Rich from the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice and the Chicago Council of Lawyers; Cook County Clerk David Orr; and ICPR director Cindi Canary, among others. Space is limited and RSVP is required; Please call 312/988-6565 or e-mail ccl@chicagocouncil.org .



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